Annual FTCLDF Fundraiser at Joel Salatin Farm

On September 10, 2011, Joel Salatin and his family hosted a wonderful farm tour and luncheon for benefactors of the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund. The event drew 172 people from 24 states and 2 foreign countries. In spite of the downturn in the economy, the funds raised were 57% more than the prior year, which shows the importance of this cause to many people.

Matthew Burrow and Carolyn Moffa in the Polyface Farm Store

Representative Frank Nicely, who serves on the Tennessee state Agriculture Committee attended the event, with his family, as did Carolyn Moffa, a staffer for U.S. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky. Matthew Burrow of the Campaign for Liberty was another special guest at the event.

The Fund was established to provide farmers, consumers and food coops with qualified legal advice, a 24 hour a day legal hot line, and select legal cases to defend farmers, consumers and buying clubs against unwarranted criminal or civil charges.

Gene Walls of FTCLDF Answers Questions, as Agnes of WAPF Listens

Greeted by staff at the registration table, guests could buy T-shirts to support the fund, and pick up brochures to help spread the word about the important work the group does to empower farmers with their legal rights, and defend them in their trials and tribulations dealing with the government.

The day began with a tractor pulled, hay ride tour of the rolling green fields of Polyface. Farmer Salatin taught at each stop along the way, about his sustainable methods of farming. We began with the cattle, then moved to the chickens, and finally the turkeys.

The Hay Ride Tour of Polyface Farm

The tour was followed by a luncheon, or rather a farm food feast, served under a big tent next to the Salatin’s home. Local caterer, Ben Thompson of The Rock Barn, served up Polyface meats and garden fresh vegetables to the generous patrons of FTCLDF. Monica Corrado added the “spice” to the buffet, with her delightful fermented vegetables.

Sally Fallon Morell, President of Weston A. Price Foundation and Board member for the FTCLDF said in her remarks, that when the Fund has 250,000 members, we will see an end to the harassment of our heritage farmers.

Dave Gumpert, Author of The Raw Milk Revolution

Pete Kennedy, President of Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund and David Gumpert also spoke about the local foods movement, and the Fund’s efforts to support raw dairy farms, in particular. These farmers need our help in their quest for an equal right to earn a living.

Joel Salatin Method of Poultry Farming is Green!

By becoming a member of FTCLDF, you are supporting an important organization, one that works tirelessly on behalf of our valiant farmers who are striving to create a safer, healthier and more humane approach to growing food.

As a member, you will also receive action alerts and learn ways you can get involved on the issues.

Joel explains the Growth and Life Cycle of Grass

The next Fundraiser for the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund is in Dallas in November, on the eve of the International Wise Traditions Conference. Please consider supporting it, here is the link Old Time Texas Festive Country Supper for more details.

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Comments

One surprising thing about Joel’s farm, is the absence of flies. I presume it is because the chickens eat all the fly larvae! You can imagine how much better the cattle feel, not having flies crawling all over them, especially in the heat of summer….